We are taking our 14 yr old to France in April where we will be hoping to do some day rides which will be at the extreme of his current ability. We don't want him to be miserable so I'm considering a tandem as a solution. Our local bike shop has one for £250 but won't lend or hire it. Would anyone in the Bath area be prepared to loan us a suitable bike for a consideration or even a donation to your favourite charity? Otherwise I'll have to take another look at buying one second hand. Many thanks..

Not local to you (Cambridge!) but there is Blue Yonder who hire out Circe Tandems, including e-bike versions (AFAIK they are part of the same company). It might be worth contacting them to see if they could do anything &/or know anyone more local to you who might be able to help.

Incidentally, one of their Helios Tandems appeared on DIY SOS last month!

When we purchased our tandem we went here for an experience day just to try them out. We found in most useful https://www.tandeming.co.uk

They might also hire out tandems.

Is your lad happy with the idea of being on the back of a tandem? My daughter was ok at 8 years old but by 14 it was way not cool and would "die of embarrassment" if she was seen on the back of a bike with parents.